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June 27, 2011

After recovering from IMATS a little, I have now had the chance to upload my pictures from this weekend. It was SO amazing! Everyone that I got to meet was the best experience of it all. Of course I bought a few makeup goodies that I will blog about later.

June 22, 2011

IMATS LA is this weekend and I could not be more excited. I'm ready to see everyone and network! I went about two years ago, and it wasn't as crowded as I can imagine it will be this time. I'm going to cover as much as I can for the blog, as well as attend as few classes. I'm just ready for the whole experience of it all. Should be really exciting!! If you are going, let me know! We can somehow find each other and chat! If you want to know where I'm at, you can follow me on Twitter, since I will be obviously be tweeting everything! Haha :D

♥ Stephanie

June 18, 2011

Not that I need anymore lipsticks in my overflowing makeup storage, but this new one from Maybelline instantly caught my eye at CVS. I've been buying a lot of lip products in bright colors for summer lately, so I decided to go the neutral route. I ended up the Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine lipstick in Nude Glow.

This color looks way darker than it actually wears. The focus of these lipsticks is the "high shine" rather than the pigmentation. Here is how they are described on the Maybelline website:

MIRROR-LIKE COLOR from micro-mirror pigments﻿

CREAMIER FEEL from nourishing honey nectar

10 lush lip shades

My Review:
Right away, I do like the way this lipstick wears. It's on the sheer side, but you can definitely build the color as needed. This color was a bit darker in a nude than I am used to, but I was actually surprised how much I ended up liking it. It does give a great shine to my lips without using a lipgloss on top which I really enjoy. I also do like the way it applies, very creamy and smooth. I would definitely buy more of these in other colors. It's definitely a unique formula to a lipstick.

Have you tried these high shine lipsticks? What do you think?

♥ Stephanie

June 16, 2011

I'm sure a lot of you have heard of Birchbox by now, but let me explain what it is to those who have not. Birchbox is a box filled with beauty samples sent right to your door every month. Usually a selection of 4-5 samples a month from amazing brands like Deborah Lippmann, Too Faced, Zoya, Laura Gellar, and more. Every month of course is going to be different and samples will vary. You can cancel your Birchbox at anytime as well with no charge.I was sent a box to try out and see what I think about the whole concept.

My Review:

With these type of "sample boxes", each month is going to vary. One month you might get an average, not that exciting box. The next month might have a full size product that was way more worth the $10 you spent. That's the whole surprise of each box. From seeing what other people have received in their Birchbox lately, I definitely think they are worth the $10. My box was one of those average boxes, but I am using or have used 5 out of the 6 samples which is great. Some people only get one month, hate their box, and cancel. I feel like you do need to give it a few months and you will most likely get something in your box that you will be happy with.

What do you think about Birchbox? Have you signed up or are thinking about it?

♥ Stephanie

June 14, 2011

It's definitely time for a new Brand Bests post, I haven't done one since December! I decided it was time for a post on my favorites from Revlon. I always knew Revlon was a great drugstore brand, but recently I have been using them a lot more and realize that they make some amazing products for a great price. Just so its known, these are my favorites based on my experience with each product. Everyone will have a different opinion, these are what I think are some of Revlon's best products.

Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks ($6.49)

These lipsticks are probably one of my all time favorites. I have about 4 different colors of these ranging from a nude to a peach to a true red and they all look really great on. I love how you expect a certain color from what you see on the top of the cap and what you get from the name, and it's that color. No second guessing if it's going to look different. For me, they are a bit drying, but I usually put a gloss over lipsticks anyways, so this doesn't bother me. My lips tend to be extra dry, so you might not need a gloss over. The wear is pretty good, about 3-4 hours, then reapply. If you haven't tried these you need to.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss ($7.99)

These lipglosses are packed with shine and shimmery goodness. Each color does have a slight tint to give you just a bit of color, but these are all about being a gloss. My favorite of these is the lilac one. I was so unsure about buying it, because I thought a purple gloss on my lips is never going to work. But it goes on with just a hint of lilac and the rest shine, it's amazing.

Revlon Matte Powder Blush ($9.99)

Sometimes I don't feel like such a shimmery or too pigmented blush, so this is my go-to when I want natural cheeks. It gives me a matte finish with still giving my cheeks some sort of color. I actually love to carry this with me in my purse, because it has it's own brush and a pop out mirror. There were only a couple of times where I was out late and I did reapply, but at least I had what I needed all together in one nice compact.

Revlon Nail Enamel ($4.99)

You can never go wrong with a Revlon nail polish. These are one of the bests drugstore nail polishes. Revlon always comes out with amazing limited edition shades and I will always find a color that I truly love. They are super easy to apply, very opaque, and dry super fast every time I use them.

Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer ($3.49)

This is just a bonus: I love this buffer! I'm actually about to use this right now while my nails are ready for a much needed manicure. I have a review of this here if you want to see more in detail what I thought, but here it is in a nutshell: It works, get it.

A Revlon Brand Bests post was fun! I hope you enjoyed this as well!

What are your favorite products from Revlon? Share below.

♥ Stephanie

June 9, 2011

I usually don't buy these long wearing lip products. They are always pretty pricey and a few that I've tried, have either leaked or haven't stayed on at all. I had some extra bucks for CVS and a Revlon coupon so I figured I would try this out. Regular price was $9.99 and after coupons, I ended up getting it for half that.

My Review:

So did it work? It sure did! I did one coat of color, waited for it to dry, and then gloss over. I applied it at 8am and started testing it out. Right away I noticed a difference in my lips, they were smoother which was nice. Throughout the day I did everything as I would: eating, drinking, kissing my little one, even took a nap and my lip color was not budging. At all. I did have to re-apply my gloss twice during the day, but that was it. Every time I would look in the mirror after eating, I expected the color to be completely gone. Nope, it was still there. This color, Perennial Peach, is a nice soft coral peach kind of color which made it easier to love it on my lips. I would repurchase this, but not a regular price. I would only buy another if I had coupons or it was on sale. But I do understand WHY it is so much: because it works.

Have you tried these? Let me know!

♥ Stephanie

June 8, 2011

Chicago, IL (June 2011) – We are excited to feature OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS newest line this weekend at The Makeup ShowChicago! Attendees will not want to miss OCC at the show as they will be amongst the first to see these artist inspired colours! The new line is based on the principal of single pigment shades and their multiple uses, whether used alone or when mixed together. Attendees will be amazed to see the many different shade possibilities and endless variety of colours.

OCC's Pure Cosmetic Pigments are undiluted, uncut color and a cult hit amongst professional makeup artists. Showcased in this collection are not only the brands pigments, but primary colored Nail Lacquers in OCC's renowned quick-drying, opaque formula, as well as three limited edition Lip Tars, and the brands successful fusion of lipstick and lip gloss.

The Makeup Show Chicago is held on Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 9am to 6pm and on Monday, June 13, 2011 from 9am to 5pm at Venue One, 1044 West Randolph St., Chicago, IL. For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers, schedule of events and prices, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

♥ Stephanie

June 6, 2011

There are two sets in the China Glaze Anchors Away Collection and I ended up buying the Sand and Sea set with more neutral colors. I actually enjoy all the polishes that are included in this set and I love the whole "nautically-inspired" theme. Here are my swatches:

White Cap

This is described as a whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white. It's definitely on the sheer side, but I love that I can layer it on top of another color for some shimmer.

Pelican Gray

A cool toned grey crème with high shine. This one seemed to have a thicker formula than the rest and only took 2 coats, very easy to work with. I wore this color for a week long with no chips. One of my favorites from this set.

Sea Spray

Calming pale blue crème is how this polish is described. Only took 2 coats as well, and very opaque. I wasn't too sure about this color, but after putting it on, I love it.

Below Deck

Ahh yes, my number one favorite of them all. This is a flirty mix of taupe and violet, very pretty polish indeed. I actually swatched this one last so I could keep it on. I will be wearing this one a lot for sure. 2 coats here was enough and the formula was also a bit thick.

Sunset Sail

Delightful peachy pink high shine crème, Sunset Sail is going to be amazing to wear when Spring really does get here. I love that it's more peach, and the pink is hardly there. So gorgeous and this took 3 coats.

Knotty

Knotty is described as Micro-particle beige shimmer. This was only one coat, so you can see the shimmer. Another one like White Cap to layer on the other polishes. I will do a NOTD with this layered on top of another polish.

Hope you enjoyed these swatches!

♥ Stephanie

June 2, 2011

N.Y.C. Color Cosmetics is one of the most inexpensive makeup lines that you can find in your local drugstore. A lot of people might even say they products are so affordable, that they are "unsure" of the quality. You should definitely think the opposite. Their makeup has been getting better than ever, and are actually amazing products for the price you pay. Just so its known, these are my favorites based on my experience with each product. Everyone will have a different opinion, these are what I think are some of N.Y.C.'s best products.

N.Y.C. In A New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish ($1.99)

I love these polishes. They are always really opaque and dry super fast. I even like the flat brush, making these polishes easy to work with. The price is amazing for these polish and I know you can find one color you will love.

N.Y.C. Smooch Proof 16hr Lip Stain ($4.99)

Yep, these are awesome and everyone needs to try them. Such an affordable lip stain, compared to other brands I have seen that carry lip stains. I have a full review of the lip stains here.

N.Y.C. Cheek Glow Blush ($2.99)

Now, N.Y.C.doesn't have any blushes that are super pigmented and bright. But if you want an affordable nude or pink blush, I definitely say give N.Y.C. a chance. These blushes have natural oil-absorbing ingredients that help control shine. They will give you that natural glow when you want to go for an everyday look.

N.Y.C. Ultra Last Lipwear ($1.99)

I feel like to get a really cheap, but good lipstick can sometimes be hard to find. These lipsticks from N.Y.C. are really creamy and not drying to my lips at all. I've never had a problem with these feathering or bleeding. So for the unbelievable price, I feel like to even just try them you can't go wrong. Either they work for you or not, but at least you didn't spend a lot of money trying to decide.

Hope you enjoyed this Brand Bests! Let me know what you think of N.Y.C. Color Cosmetics.

♥ Stephanie

June 1, 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (June 2011): Set your summer style to “sizzle” with China Glaze’s new Crackle Glaze Metals collection. The pioneer in crackle technology, China Glaze takes the beauty phenomenon to the next level with this second-generation polish that pairs the edgy innovation of crackle with the elegant beauty of metals. The China Glaze Crackle Glaze Metals collection features six sparkling metallic colors including:

·Tarnished Gold: Warm, honeyed hue

·Platinum Pieces: Shimmering silver

·Haute Metal: Pale pink

·Cracked Medallion: Bold bronze

·Latticed Lilac: Soft lavender

·Oxidized Aqua: Deep aquamarine blue

Create dramatically different looks with just one sweep of China Glaze Crackle Glaze Metals. Layer over different base colors to create bold styles. Use a lighter coat to create a fine crackle, a thicker coat for a deep shatter effect. As versatile and edgy as China Glaze’s biggest celebrity fans (Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Ritchie and Kelly Osbourne, to name a few), Glaze Crackle Glaze Metals is sure to be this summer’s hottest beauty trend!

The China Glaze Crackle Glaze Metals collection will be available as open stock colors and 12 piece counter display with a unique Crackle Glaze screen and including an instructional hang tag.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze